Penguin Flipper Bands

Porzana makes 5 sizes of stainless steel penguin flipper bands, covering a wide range of species from Rockhopper to King Penguin. When closed the bands are ‘egg’ shaped and the internal diameters quoted refer to the length and the width of the band at the widest point. Most bands are ‘side-opening’, and these bands must always be fitted with the join on the outside of the flipper. Although the bands can usually be closed by hand, it is sometimes necessary to complete the closing with a pair of standard bull-nosed pliers.

The table below gives full specifications of the range of penguin bands we manufacture.

Address and Numbering

A 5.0 mm high numerator is used for all sizes of bands, but this numerator has a maximum of five characters (e.g. AB001). However, a greater number of characters can be applied by breaking the number into a prefix and number (e.g. ABC00001), and carrying out two separate stamping operations. As the number is always applied to the side of the band that is on the outside of the flipper, this usually means that the prefix and number sit either side of the join when closed. As the band is egg-shaped and the number needs to be field-readable, the bands have to be made either to fit the right or left flipper. If there is a preference, the customer must specify that preference on the order.

Although a few customers require just a simple number to be stamped on the bands, most also require an address. As the bands are large there is plenty of room for a detailed address, but a three-line address each of 24 characters should be considered as the maximum. The manufacture of address dies has to be subcontracted to a specialist engraving company but a quotation for the cost of producing these dies can be obtained on request. The dies are retained at the factory for future orders.